Start Date
5-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
5-3-2024 1:45 PM
Disciplines
History
Subjects
Priscus, active 5th century -- Criticism, Attila -453, Huns -- History, Byzantine Empire
Abstract
This paper examines and reevaluates the lasting impacts of Priscus of Panium’s eyewitness account of his ambassadorial trip to Atilla the Hun in 449 CE, dubbed Priscus at the Court of Attila. Through meticulous analysis, this paper attempts to contextualize the presence and military movements of Huns across Europe based on Priscus’ original work. I clarify that Atilla's encampment was in Wallachia while detailing the location's significance and the significance of Hunnic military movements in Media. Moving forward, I use Priscus’ work as a tool to observe the social norms of Byzantium and Scythia ranging from things like their female beauty standard to their court rituals. Additionally, Priscus’ writings motivate an exploration of the economic motivations behind Hunnic actions, helping to explain an attempt at a possible shift in the Hun economy away from plundering to a focus on tribute. Furthermore, Priscus’ observations of Hunnic diplomatic behavior offer crucial insights into the complexity of the Hunnic political vision. By utilizing Priscus’ work and its impacts, the paper attempts to challenge the notion of the Huns as uncivilized and offers a nuanced understanding of their culture.
Keywords: Priscus, Atilla the Hun, Hunnic Empire, Byzantine Empire, 5th Century, Primary Source, Migrations, Military Patterns, Foreign Relations, Tribute, Gold, Theodosius II, Cultural Distinctions, Beauty Standards, Stigma, Court Rituals, Wallachia, George R.R. Martin, Constantinople
Part of the panel: Identity through Conflict
Moderator: Professor Jennifer Kerns
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Included in
Priscus at the Court of Atilla: Unveiling Hunnic Dynamics
This paper examines and reevaluates the lasting impacts of Priscus of Panium’s eyewitness account of his ambassadorial trip to Atilla the Hun in 449 CE, dubbed Priscus at the Court of Attila. Through meticulous analysis, this paper attempts to contextualize the presence and military movements of Huns across Europe based on Priscus’ original work. I clarify that Atilla's encampment was in Wallachia while detailing the location's significance and the significance of Hunnic military movements in Media. Moving forward, I use Priscus’ work as a tool to observe the social norms of Byzantium and Scythia ranging from things like their female beauty standard to their court rituals. Additionally, Priscus’ writings motivate an exploration of the economic motivations behind Hunnic actions, helping to explain an attempt at a possible shift in the Hun economy away from plundering to a focus on tribute. Furthermore, Priscus’ observations of Hunnic diplomatic behavior offer crucial insights into the complexity of the Hunnic political vision. By utilizing Priscus’ work and its impacts, the paper attempts to challenge the notion of the Huns as uncivilized and offers a nuanced understanding of their culture.
Keywords: Priscus, Atilla the Hun, Hunnic Empire, Byzantine Empire, 5th Century, Primary Source, Migrations, Military Patterns, Foreign Relations, Tribute, Gold, Theodosius II, Cultural Distinctions, Beauty Standards, Stigma, Court Rituals, Wallachia, George R.R. Martin, Constantinople
Part of the panel: Identity through Conflict
Moderator: Professor Jennifer Kerns